This study introduces the evaluation of root system size (RSS) for the breeding of barley, in particular for drought tolerance. In 2005-2008, 10-22 varieties of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were evaluated at two locations (only one in 2007) for RSS by its electric capacity. The RSS was compared with the yield and the quality of the varieties in state registration trials at 7-19 stations each year. Varieties with a greater RSS than the others varieties had a significantly higher yield in the dry year of 2007. Similar relationships between RSS and yield in the other years were found in only some of the environments. Malting varieties with a greater RSS had significantly higher contents of starch, saccharide extracts and malt extracts, as well as higher yields of protein and starch in 2007. It can be concluded that a small RSS is related to a low grain yield and malt quality in dry environments, even in genetically diverse varieties.

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Three methods of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) breeding for forage yield in two harvest years on locations in Bredelokke (Denmark), Hladké Životice (Czech Republic) and Les Alleuds (France) were compared. Three types of 46 candivars1, developed by A) recurrent selection in subsequent generations (37 candivars, divided into early and late group), B) polycross progenies (4 candivars) and C) ge­no-phe­no­ty­pic selection (5 candivars) were compared. The trials were sown in 2005 and cut three times in 2006 and 2007; their evaluation is based primarily on total yield of dry matter. The candivars developed by polycross and geno-phenotypic selections gave significantly higher yields than candivars from the recurrent selection. However, the candivars developed by the methods B and C did not differ significantly. The candivars developed by these progressive methods were suitable for higher yielding and drier environment in Hladké Životice (where was the highest yield level even if averaged annual precipitation were lower by 73 and 113 mm in comparison to other locations, respectively); here was ave­ra­ge yield higher by 19 and 13% for B and C in comparison to A method. Highly significant interaction of the candivars with locations was found. It can be concluded that varieties specifically aimed to different locations by the methods B and C should be bred; also the parental entries should be selected there.